Dominican Republic Golf Courses

Playa Grande Golf Course, Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic.

Although there was talk about privatizing the golf course, nothing has happened as of yet, so if you are an avid golfer, spend the US$100 green fees for a golfing experience you will never forget!

The following guide is based on the blue tees, from where there is a total of 6,295 yards.

Hole 1 - Par 4 - 345 yards

A straightforward par four, if your tee shot lands in the middle of the fairway, your only issue is avoiding the bunkers surrounding the green, no frills here.

Hole 2 - Par 4 - 368 yards

Slightly more challenging as you have to avoid the fairway sand traps as well as those surrounding the bunkers, however here a straight drive will leave you with a fair chance at making par.

Hole 3 - Par 3 - 210 yards

Hole 3 is the first time the ocean comes into play on the front 9, beware of gusty winds that can send your ball into the drink. Most golfers will hit the green on their first attempt, as long as they don't overcompensate for the wind.

Hole 4 - Par 5 - 493 yards

A challenging hole due to the fact that a slice off the tee will send you into the ocean and a hook will put you into some very deep rough. Depending on your driving distance, you can either lay up, a more sensible approach on this dog-leg hole, or go straight at the pin. A lay up is my preference on this very tough hole.

Hole 5 - Par 4 - 394 yards

The hard part on this hole is avoiding the fairway bunkers that lie about 250 yards from the tee box. From where the average drive stops, the green is elevated, so look to loft your approach high towards the pin.

Hole 6 - Par 5 - 511 yards

A long hole that only very low handicap players should attempt to reach the green in 2 shots. Play it safe, down the middle and lay up to leave yourself an attractive approach. The green here is a double green shared with hole number 2, so make sure you are aiming at the right flag.

Hole 7 - Par 3 - 171 yards

Hit over the open water and land your ball on the green. Here the wind can play havoc, so beware of overcompensating, you could end up on another hole. The green is well protected by bunkers on the front and left hand side.

Hole 8 - Par 4 - 360 yards

The easiest hole since the first on the front nine, here you can open up your drive as the fairway permits room for error on both sides. On a dry day your ball will carry quite a bit, as long as you avoid the large fairway bunker. Most decent golfers should par this hole.

Hole 9 - Par 4 - 326 yards

This hole, the 8th and the 1st are the 3 most makeable holes on the front nine. As long as your drive stays in play, you can bank on making par, even if you slice your drive off the tee.

Hole 10 - Par 4 - 344 yards

We start the back nine in the same fashion as we end the front nine, an easier than most par 4, your 2nd shot will leave you staring at an elevated green, so lift your approach and put the ball in for par or better.

Hole 11 - Par 3 - 171 yards

Here you are in danger of meeting some tough rough if your tee shot goes left. Avoid also the front bunkers, normally a very makeable par.

Hole 12 - Par 5 - 440 yards

My favorite hole on the course, launch your drive over the ocean, the carry you get could leave you around the 150 yard marker, as long as your approach doesn't go haywire, you're in for an under par score.

Hole 13 - Par 4 - 364 yards

Dog-leg right, avoid the fairway bunker and you'll have a shout at a birdie, giving that your approach avoids the bunkers that surround the green. A nice hole, overlooking the playa grande beach.

Hole 14 - Par 3 - 188 yards

This hole actually plays quite a few yards shorter, as you tee off from above the high of the pin, the wind may come into play, only 2 more ocean front holes to go after this one.

Hole 15 - Par 5 - 555 yards

This hole is all about distance, no wind to interfere, however beware the highway to your left. Most golfers will have to lay up, long hitters will go all the way and reach the green in 2. A tough hole specially when fatigue starts to set in.

Hole 16 - Par 4 - 341 yards

An attractive hole, the last par 4 on the course. Up and down, a wide fairway that forgives if you go off track. Even after playing 16 holes of golf, most golfers should par this one.

Hole 17 - Par 3 - 188 yards

A huge green to aim at as you overlook the ocean. Once you've putted in look towards the mountains for a breathtaking view of a million and one palm trees and a coastline like nowhere else.

Hole 18 - Par 5 - 556 yards

The last hole of a truly stunning golf course, watch out you don't out drive the course as a long straight shot could end up in the drink. A 3 wood to the center of the fairway is advised, then a lay up to avoid getting wet. Once you've finished here, take time to appreciate the natural beauty of this course.

 

For more information, or for a playing partner, email tay@propertycenter.tv

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